If you’re single and looking for love, apps and other online dating tools can be fun and easy ways to connect with new people. But just like the rest of the internet, not everyone is who they say they are. Whether it’s on a dating app, social media, or anywhere people meet online, romance scams happen when your new partner isn’t interested in your heart—just your money.
What kinds of romance scams should I watch out for?
Many online dating scams begin with a contact from someone in another state or even in a foreign country. These scammers often put a lot of time and energy into making you think they’re really interested in you. But eventually, they come up with a reason to ask for money. If an online date starts asking for money or expenses, it’s a major red flag of a romance scam.
How do romance scams work?
Romance scammers may chat with you for days or even weeks, building what feels like a romantic connection. Once the scammer believes they’ve built a trusting relationship with you, they will ask you for money, travel expenses, or even medical expenses. Most of these scammers have many excuses why they can’t meet in person but build up your expectations about a future meeting—but only if you can cover their expenses.
Scammers want your money, and they want it fast. Watch out for high-pressure tactics and requests for PIN codes, bank account numbers, gift cards, wire transfers, cryptocurrency, and requests through payment apps like Venmo and Zelle.
If you’ve sent money to a scammer, contact the company you used to process that payment immediately. Reporting fraud to your bank, credit card company, the company you bought a gift card from, a cryptocurrency exchange, or any other payment processing company can help reverse it.
